No responsibility
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Tam surprised at the lack of responsibility shown by the Civic Trust in its recent ill-informed report on the road transport industry (CM 25-31 May, page 10).
It appears unaware of the industry's vital role in sustaining the lifeblood of the country—but this counts for little if you are looking to increase your membership of do-gooders.
Recently I attended the AGM of the National Federation of Bus Users (on Cup Final Day). What a difference to the Civic Trust. The NFBU has no time for pressure groups but sees the way forward as co-operation coupled with a degree of constructive criticism.
It was a delight on the day to hear so much commonsense spoken for a change instead of operator bashing. Although a very small organisation, the Federation is recognised by Volvo and Scania and an increasing number of operators for the grass roots information it supplies.
The Civic Trust would do well to look at how Dr Caroline Cahm, chairperson of the NFBU, can achieve positive results by realistic and well-informed reports.
On the day a classic tip was given by Kevin Carr, managing director of Coastline and VFM Buses, on how to deal with motorists parking at bus stops.
His buses carry a dedicated traffic warden who hops off, writes a ticket, and hops back on...
Bill Montague, Secretary, Brewery Transport Advisory Committee.
Golden oldies
ell, once again Truckfest turned out to be a disappointment for owner-drivers of older vehicles. As usual, recognition went to new vehicles, which can hardly be called working vehicles, and of course still have their new, straight-from-the-workshop paint jobs.
It would be nice if we could all afford new lorries for the show. But it is not fair to judge a new lorry against a ten-year-old. It takes hours of tender loving care to keep an older lorry looking perfect but they have much more character and are more interesting than new vehiclea For this show, my lorry could not have been in better condition including its many
accessories, But, as usual, I stood no chance of recognition against the new boys.
Surely there should be different categories for judging, like age classes for pre-1980, pre-1985, pre-1990, and 1995 vehicles?
John Ashton, Owner-driver, Scania B954 CGE, Spalding, Lincs.
• We agree Commercial Motor is now talking to Truckfest Organiser Live Promotions about a amcours class for older working vehicles; watch this space for more details—Ed